The Wilderness Lodge and Villas FAQ (Part 7) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

[marymac123]

Well, I just upgraded our stay to CL! I am excited - we haven't stayed CL since our 1st trip(got a free upgrade on our honeymoon) in 2003. Our 2nd trip last year with DD4 was swv-with a gross room(#2001 or 2010 can't remember). Just felling alittle "buyer's remorse" for the extra $821. But, I think that will go away soon! Have to go call the hubby-didn't tell him I was doing that.

 

[Mike&AllisMom]

Well, I just upgraded our stay to CL! I am excited - we haven't stayed CL since our 1st trip(got a free upgrade on our honeymoon) in 2003. Our 2nd trip last year with DD4 was swv-with a gross room(#2001 or 2010 can't remember). Just felling alittle "buyer's remorse" for the extra $821. But, I think that will go away soon! Have to go call the hubby-didn't tell him I was doing that.

I did the same thing a few days ago and am also having buyers remorse. Never had CL and not sure if it's worth it

 

[DCbride]

WlWilliams9- thanks so much, the thread was exactly what I needed. I have never seen that thread. After viewing, I might switch to 1st floor. Why worry? Then solid balcony could be my backup.

 

[Anna114]

I can't see how CL can be bad, so that is a good thing. I think most people can agree it's not the best return on a dollar. If you are commando people it's an even less return on the money. We are staying CL at the Poly in May, it's was a lot of money (got a AP code for 40% off so it's a much better deal. We also plan to spend a lot of time at the resort. I figure it this way, it can't be bad and if it's not the next best thing to sliced white bread, I won't ever do it again. I have had great success with the staff, as it pertains to making ressies (i.e. segway tour at EPCOT, Keys to the Kingdom tour, Cal. Grill for our anni. including a haunted mansion special order cake while watching wishes etc) So take advantage of all that CL has to offer.

 

[wmcoleman]

This year we decided to try the WL. DD is quite exited about it. She noticed that there is horseback riding at FW, has anyone ever done that and how was it? Also, I noticed that there seems to be a walking path between WL and FW. Is it a long walk? Looks like it's about a mile which isn't too bad.

171 days and counting!

 

[LadySiren]

TYVM for the flag family info; I appreciate it. We're definitely going to sign up.

 

[camdensmom]

We are headed to WL in April (me, DH, DS4 and our twin girls who will be 7.5 months). I've enjoyed reading through the thread and looking at all the pictures. A few questions for anyone who can answer:

-Does the pool have a zero depth entry area? I thought all of the deluxes did, but it doesn't seem to from the pictures.

-I tried to book easy to get to ADRS (Whispering Canyon, Chef Mickey's, 'Ohana, Trails End, Crystal Palace (and I did Epcot ressies for the day we'll be there). How long should we allow to get from WL to CR or the POLY?

-I know the whole "wilderness" thing is the theming, but is it really buggy? I've always enjoyed the 'bug-freeness-magic" of Disney World. We love to go for walks, but am afraid it'll be really buggy.

Thanks so much!

 

[BlueFairy]

This year we decided to try the WL. DD is quite exited about it. She noticed that there is horseback riding at FW, has anyone ever done that and how was it? Also, I noticed that there seems to be a walking path between WL and FW. Is it a long walk? Looks like it's about a mile which isn't too bad.

171 days and counting!

I think it's a 20 min walk. Not lit at night for the whole way. I understand it is a gravel path.

We are headed to WL in April (me, DH, DS4 and our twin girls who will be 7.5 months). I've enjoyed reading through the thread and looking at all the pictures. A few questions for anyone who can answer:

-Does the pool have a zero depth entry area? I thought all of the deluxes did, but it doesn't seem to from the pictures.

This pool was built before they developed zero entry. I don't think it has been changed.

-I know the whole "wilderness" thing is the theming, but is it really buggy? I've always enjoyed the 'bug-freeness-magic" of Disney World. We love to go for walks, but am afraid it'll be really buggy.

Thanks so much!

I think the only complaints about bugs have been in the summer months on the boardwalk to the boat dock. I did not find it buggy, but we went in December. If you hit very late April, you may find lovebugs, but they will be horrible everywhere in Florida. They do not bite.

 

[DisneyTiger]

Our first stay at the VWL is quickly approaching (15 days) and I am just now sitting down to research the resort. I have DD4 and DS3 and we'll be checking in around 7:00pm on 3/16. I would love any recommendations or head's up about things to do around the resort. Also, I've heard about hiking trails either at WL or FW??? I would love to check these out. Anyone familiar with them.

Thanks...SO EXCITED!!!!!!!

 

[LuvsBlueDiamonds]

We went CL for the first time last Aug. We stayed at WL. We loved it. No remorse. We're going back this Aug with friends. We're all staying CL.

We don't go to the parks all day and all night. We've learned to slow down and enjoy everything WDW has to offer. I think the extra $ for CL is worth it for our family of 3. The hubs and I drink most of it! Plus the staff experience is outstanding. They did a lot for us and made every effort to improve our stay. Working 52 weeks a year, spending 1 week treating myself is priceless.

 

[my2disneyboys]

Our first stay at the VWL is quickly approaching (15 days) and I am just now sitting down to research the resort. I have DD4 and DS3 and we'll be checking in around 7:00pm on 3/16. I would love any recommendations or head's up about things to do around the resort. Also, I've heard about hiking trails either at WL or FW??? I would love to check these out. Anyone familiar with them.

Thanks...SO EXCITED!!!!!!!

Hey!! Did I know you were staying here??? We are staying here for our next trip and I am so excited! You will have to take lots of pics for me and let me know what you think. Are you going to eat at WCC or Artist Point? We had lunch at WCC on our last day and it was a great lunch- I have NEVER seen my kids laugh so much in their whole life. I heard that Roaring Forks has made to order salads?? If you get one of those let me know!!!

 

[Esmerelda]

We have done CL at WL two trips back. We loved it! We thought it totally worth the extra but we are NOT commando park people either. We get up early, hit the early opening park until about 11am. We then come back to the hotel and have a leisurly afternoon, pool time..nap time..lunch. We then go back to the parks around 6pm. We usually do Disney in the summer months (June/July) so it's hot so we plan accordingly. Since we have been about 15+ times, if we miss something, that's ok with us.

CL allows us to have coffee and breakfast early (on the balcony if we wish). It's great in the evening as many days our lunch is our big meal and we are not 3 meals a day type eaters. We really enjoy the appetizers they put out plus having a glass of wine late in the evening is awesome. We had great room service as far as housekeeping..etc. My family thought it was so worth it but if you spending a large amount of your time in the parks, it's something to think about.

Have a great time!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

This year we decided to try the WL. DD is quite exited about it. She noticed that there is horseback riding at FW, has anyone ever done that and how was it? Also, I noticed that there seems to be a walking path between WL and FW. Is it a long walk? Looks like it's about a mile which isn't too bad.

171 days and counting!

I have never done the horseback riding at FW but am hoping to do some pony rides this time with cousin's granddaughter and great-niece. I just wanted to alert you that with the horseback riding you can sign-up/reserve early (like the segway tours) before you arrive to assure you have the activity. However, maybe someone who has done this can give you more assistance/information than me.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

This year we decided to try the WL. DD is quite exited about it. She noticed that there is horseback riding at FW, has anyone ever done that and how was it? Also, I noticed that there seems to be a walking path between WL and FW. Is it a long walk? Looks like it's about a mile which isn't too bad.

This 45-minute to one hour guided trail ride goes through the wooded areas of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Offered daily at 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00am and 2:30pm

Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the ride time. If you arrive after the Safety Announcement, you will not be permitted to ride.

Cost is $46.00 including tax. Reservations are required and can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling. Cancellation of rides may occur due to inclement weather.

Minimum age is 9
Minimum height is 48 inches
Maximum weight is 250 pounds.
Helmets are recommended and are provided at no charge.
Nothing can be carried while on horseback. Small storage lockers to hold cameras and backpacks are provided at no charge.
No open-toed shoes, flip-flops or strapless shoes should be worn for riding.
Pick up tickets on the same day at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Kennel at least 30 minutes prior to start of ride.
Parents need to sign consent forms for children


Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling:


Disney Reservation Center at 407-939-7529

Tri Circled D Ranch at 407-824-2832


The Tri-Circled Ranch is located at the front of Ft. Wilderness, you would need to take the bus to The Outpost Depot at the front entrance of Ft. Wilderness Campground. The walking paths (trails) from the Lodge go to The Settlement Depot. (Pioneer Hall/Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Show) so the Ranch is futher than a mile.

My niece wanted to check the ranch out so I went over with her to let her ride but she had flip-flops on and didn't want to wear my shoes so we didn't ride.

 

[alieila]

Okay Obtained the WL CL for July! After reading what "Cordials" mean! Ended up going for this deal:

Select Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
A $750 Disney Gift Card is yours when you purchase a 5 night/6-day non-discounted Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
Valid for arrivals now to 3/27/10 and 4/11-8/14/10.

Figured the $750 can be used for the dining! No need for the DDP with $750! Woo Hoo!

 

[LeafsFanNL]

28 Days to go!! We are really looking forward to the convenient access to the MK, and the monorail resort dining.

HB

 

[marymac123]

28 Days to go!! We are really looking forward to the convenient access to the MK, and the monorail resort dining.

HB

Lucky You!! I can't get anything done around here! I just keep thinking about our trip.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Wonder if a WL expert might be able to answer a couple of questions. Read through the first page of info, but could not quite figure out which is the South wing an which is the North?

Also, it says there are 37 HC King rooms - by chance does anyone know where the Courtyard HC rooms might be located?

Thanks so much!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Wonder if a WL expert might be able to answer a couple of questions. Read through the first page of info, but could not quite figure out which is the South wing an which is the North?

Also, it says there are 37 HC King rooms - by chance does anyone know where the Courtyard HC rooms might be located?

Thanks so much!

The South wing is the one closest to the Villas. The North is closer to the boat Dock. I can't help with the HC rooms. Sorry.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Super! Now which do you prefer? Looks from the pics, rooms on the South side cn see the lake?

Thanks!!